Tipo 00 is a modern Italian pasta bar at 361 Little Bourke Street in Melbourne’s central business district, beside the Hardware Lane dining precinct. Opened in 2014 by Andreas Papadakis, Luke Skidmore and Alberto Fava, it takes its name from the finely milled flour used for pasta. Travelers come for expertly made noodles, Italian-led wines and an intimate dining room where the open kitchen brings the cooking into view.
What to Expect at Tipo 00
This is a focused pasta restaurant rather than a sprawling trattoria. The marble bar, closely arranged tables and visible kitchen create an animated, conversational setting. Papadakis and Fava’s cooking combines Italian technique with Melbourne’s appetite for inventive seasonal combinations. Longstanding signatures include pappardelle with duck, squid-ink tagliolini with squid and bottarga, and gnocchi with duck and porcini; preparations and availability change with the menu. Order different pasta shapes across the table to appreciate how ribbons, strands and dumplings carry their sauces differently.
Build a meal around antipasti, pasta and dessert rather than expecting pizza or an extensive selection of large mains. The celebrated Tipomisù reworks tiramisu through chocolate, coffee and caramel. The drinks program gives Italian wine a central role alongside Australian selections, with aperitifs providing a natural opening to lunch or dinner. Ask the team to match wines to individual dishes. Vegetarian diners should discuss current options; vegan and gluten-free requirements need advance conversation because fresh pasta, dairy, stocks and garnishes vary between preparations.
- Duck pappardelle: Broad pasta ribbons paired with rich duck, among the restaurant’s best-known dishes.
- Squid-ink tagliolini: Dark, fine strands with squid and bottarga, emphasizing seafood flavor and contrasting textures.
- Duck and porcini gnocchi: Soft dumplings with an earthy, savory accompaniment; check the current preparation.
- Tipomisù: A chocolate, coffee and caramel dessert that gives the familiar Italian classic a distinct identity.
- Marble bar and open kitchen: Counter seating places the restaurant’s small-scale cooking and service at the center of the experience.
Tipo 00 at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 361 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia |
| Neighborhood / Area | Melbourne CBD, beside Hardware Lane |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Saturday: 11:30am–4pm and 5–9:30pm; Sunday: closed |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; à la carte dining, with wine and additional courses increasing the total. See the official menu for current prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Melbourne Central or Flagstaff stations; Elizabeth Street trams 19, 57 and 59; paid parking at The Strand Melbourne, 250 Elizabeth Street |
| Official Website & Phone | Tipo 00 official website; +61 3 9942 3946 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Use the official reservations page well ahead for Friday or Saturday dinner. An opening-time weekday lunch is a useful alternative when evening availability is limited. Walk-ins can ask about cancellations or counter places, but should not build a tightly scheduled evening around securing one. Smart casual clothing fits the room; formal dress is unnecessary. Check booking conditions, accepted payment methods and any card or public-holiday surcharge before confirming. Mention allergies when reserving, then discuss them again with your server.
Melbourne Central and Flagstaff stations are each roughly a 5–10-minute walk away. Elizabeth Street tram routes 19, 57 and 59 provide another nearby approach; Bourke Street routes 86 and 96 stop south of the restaurant. Drivers can use paid off-street parking at The Strand Melbourne rather than relying on limited curbside spaces. The compact dining room and close table spacing make advance discussion important for wheelchair, mobility-aid or stroller placement; ask staff about entrance clearance and toilet access. Pair lunch with the former General Post Office, about five minutes away, State Library Victoria, around ten minutes away, or Queen Victoria Market, approximately fifteen minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Tipo 00 open, and when should I visit?
Tipo 00 opens Monday–Saturday, 11:30am–4pm and 5–9:30pm, and closes Sunday. Reserve an early weekday lunch for a daytime visit, and check holiday arrangements directly.
How expensive is Tipo 00, and are reservations necessary?
Tipo 00 is a $$ restaurant with à la carte pricing. Reservations are strongly advisable, particularly for dinner; consult the official menu for current dish prices.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for antipasti, pasta and dessert. Tell staff about theater tickets or another fixed departure time when booking.
Is Tipo 00 suitable for children or visitors with mobility needs?
Children who enjoy pasta can eat here, though the intimate room offers limited space for large strollers. Discuss wheelchair positioning, entrance access and bathroom requirements directly before reserving.
When planning your Melbourne travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Melbourne, pair this stop with standout local spots including Old Melbourne Gaol, The Langham, Melbourne, Djon's Steak And Lobster House, and Osteria Ilaria (nearby).
